Tag: Student

Like many other areas of study, the field of L≥2 (second, third, fourth… language) development is experiencing rapid change associated with advances in relevant technology. The growing popularity of “language learning apps” may be one of the more obvious indicators of this trend. These apps seem to open the door to language study options that would be inconceivable in a traditional (20th century type) scholastic language program: for example, several apps offer upwards of 70 language courses to English speakers – this far exceeds the 4 offered at my high school, when I was a student! But whether or not this actually translates into improved L≥2 development for users of these apps has yet to be convincingly demonstrated. In fact, some linguists, like Donovan Nigel’s post to Mezzofanti Guild blog, suggests that today’s apps may actually be detrimental to language learning.Continue reading “3 Simple Tips for Making the Most of Your Language Learning App”→

During college, I studied abroad in Spain during my junior spring semester. I knew this was a once in a lifetime experience, and therefore I should take advantage of every opportunity given to me, including living with a host family. While this was a daunting and almost scary idea—living with people I never met who didn’t speak English—I knew that I probably would never have this opportunity again. And so I checked the box in my application requesting a family homestay. Continue reading “A Case for Living with a Host-Family, and Switching Families if Need Be”→

Study skills may come easy for some students. However, for those students that struggle to keep up with term papers, discussions, projects, and all other tasks during a study abroad program is overwhelming. Perhaps, you have tried a system of study skills. Does the feeling of achievement leave you empty? It might be time to evaluate your study skills method. What new strategies help you take action to build concise study skills?Continue reading “Actionable Ways to Rock Your Study Skills”→